Reticulocyte Counts in Bartonella Muris Anemia

Abstract

The striking stimulation of the bone marrow in splenectomized rats suffering with Bartonella muris anemia is reflected in the reticulocyte count of the peripheral blood. In the course of extensive studies in this disease^1-7 the appearance of large numbers of reticulocytes during the height of the anemia was noted.∗ A detailed correlation of the degree of anemia as reflected in the blood count and hemoglobin determination with the reticulocyte count and the appearance of Bartonella bodies has yielded certain interesting observations. For the study and demonstration of reticulocytes in large numbers, Bartonella muris anemia offers a readily obtained source.

Estimations of the hemoglobin, red blood cells and reticulocytes were made daily on a group of 6 splenectomized male adult rats of Bartonella muris carrier stock, from the day of splenectomy to the death of the rats. Hemoglobin was determined by the Dare colorimeter. For the preparations of the smears for the reticulocyte count a slight modification of the method recommended by Key 10 and Thoro 11 was used. The dye was diluted as follows: 4 drops of a saturated aqueous solution of brilliant cresyl blue were added to 5 cc. of physiological salt solution to which had been added 2 drops of a 2% potassium oxalate solution. This was made up fresh every few days. One drop of the dye solution was placed on the slide and near it one drop of blood. The blood and dye were intimately mixed with the edge of a second slide and smears drawn. When dry the smears were counterstained with Wright's stain. The reticulocytes were clearly defined and readily counted. Smears prepared without vital staining were made for the study of Bartonella bodies.